Can you explain the process of synaptic transmission?

A synapse is the junction between a neurone and the next cell. At the synapse there is both a presynaptic neurone, with vesicles containing neurotransmitters (chemical messengers) and a post synaptic neuorone/cell, this has a membrane occupied by receptors specific for the neurotransmitters stored in the presynpatic neurone. When an action potential stimulates the PreS neurone, vesicles fuse with the PreS membrane - releasing neurotransmitters into the synaptic cleft ( this is the tiny gap between neurones). These neurotransmitters bind the receptors on the post synaptic membrane, here sodium channels open and an influx of sodium causes a depolarisation of the post synaptic cell. Thus, a transduction from electrical to chemical to electrical energy occurs – transmitting the message across the synapse (draw diagram).

JD
Answered by Jack D. Biology tutor

3852 Views

See similar Biology A Level tutors

Related Biology A Level answers

All answers ▸

How is a nervous impulse transmitted across a synapse?


what are the differences between involuntary, cardiac and voluntary muscle?


Cellular structure of the brain


Messenger RNA (mRNA) is used during translation to form polypeptides. Describe how mRNA is produced in the nucleus.


We're here to help

contact us iconContact ustelephone icon+44 (0) 203 773 6020
Facebook logoInstagram logoLinkedIn logo

MyTutor is part of the IXL family of brands:

© 2026 by IXL Learning